gray, red, white, mint and a smack of fuschia all pieced together
It all started with this muted red fabric with white dots. It spoke to me. So I dug out all the cool fabrics I've purchased in the last 2 years that have been sitting in the 'someday' pile and went to work cutting and stitching. No plan. No rulers.
Here's what I came up with: a 16 block improv quilt top. Its 44 inches square. So, I'm curious. what label would you give this? Would you call it modern, or art quilt, or traditional? Wall hanging or to use? Or maybe... does it really matter?
I love it regardless. Just thought it would be interesting to hear your reaction.
Did you know, the average American quilter has $6,000 worth of fabric in her stash? Astounding, truly. This little fun fact is straight from the big survey the industry conducts every year.
Well, I put a tiny dent in my stash today... and I've actually used all my faves. Clearly, we all buy what we like, right? So its no surprise that the gray, red, white, mint and touch of fuchsia colors and patterns all worked well together.
I recently finished an improv DWR (double wedding ring) and it was so fun to make that I was motivated to do another one.
The folk art appeal of the finished piece draws me in. But more importantly, I love piecing quilt tops this way. Its so free-ing. Just cut and sew and go. If it doesn't fit, add a bit here or cut a bit there. Tons of fun. If you seek precision and lines that match up, this style is definitely not for you.
The red and white fabrics are Moda, as is the gray print. The small flower print is Liberty. Love this. I only had a Fat Eight and I used every bit of it. The large gray and mint dots and the mustangs are Cotton + Steel. The Liberty and Cotton + Steel were purchased at QuiltCon earlier this year.
Next I plan to add hand embroidery! Picture a little French knot in each of those gray flowers... and more. The quilt top is currently stapled to the wall in my studio and as I work on other things I study it and envision lots of beautiful embroidery embellishment to add tiny little touches... not anything over the top. The big decision will be how to quilt it...
Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on what label or category this one falls into... or if it even matters. Love to hear from you!
Linking up
Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it Up Friday
Off the Wall Fridays
Here's what I came up with: a 16 block improv quilt top. Its 44 inches square. So, I'm curious. what label would you give this? Would you call it modern, or art quilt, or traditional? Wall hanging or to use? Or maybe... does it really matter?
I love it regardless. Just thought it would be interesting to hear your reaction.
Did you know, the average American quilter has $6,000 worth of fabric in her stash? Astounding, truly. This little fun fact is straight from the big survey the industry conducts every year.
Well, I put a tiny dent in my stash today... and I've actually used all my faves. Clearly, we all buy what we like, right? So its no surprise that the gray, red, white, mint and touch of fuchsia colors and patterns all worked well together.
The folk art appeal of the finished piece draws me in. But more importantly, I love piecing quilt tops this way. Its so free-ing. Just cut and sew and go. If it doesn't fit, add a bit here or cut a bit there. Tons of fun. If you seek precision and lines that match up, this style is definitely not for you.
Next I plan to add hand embroidery! Picture a little French knot in each of those gray flowers... and more. The quilt top is currently stapled to the wall in my studio and as I work on other things I study it and envision lots of beautiful embroidery embellishment to add tiny little touches... not anything over the top. The big decision will be how to quilt it...
Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on what label or category this one falls into... or if it even matters. Love to hear from you!
Linking up
Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it Up Friday
Off the Wall Fridays
I don't think it needs a category! I really love the stripes and the little grey flowers and I think it's a really successful combination of colors and prints and fabrics. It might look really cool if you extended the pink polka dot/grey flower/red stripe sashing bits out from the edge so it was sort of expanded hashtag shaped and then faced it. Of course that many corners is probably enough to make anyone crazy and it may not even be feasible. I'm looking forward to seeing the embroidery.
ReplyDeleteI think it falls into the category of FUN! Love the fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI think it is modern. Check out Maria Shell's grid quilts. I LOVE the fabrics and the surprises and variation of improv piecing.
ReplyDeleteI really love this. Who cares what type of label people would put on it (I hate labels!) I love these fabrics together and the way you "winged it". But please, don't kill my sewing buzz by reminding me of the money I've spent on fabric! :)
ReplyDeleteThe muted tones put me in mind of old fashioned Necco wafers! It feels like early modern to me. Something from the 1920s, as modernism is filtering into decorative arts. Still, I agree with your commenters. Labels aren't necessary. This is lovely
ReplyDeleteI's "eclectic" and could go modern too. I love the mix and the colors! It sure would add a lot to a wall somewhere. Oh and those French knots? Divine!
ReplyDeleteImprov piecing is really quite fun and so freeing! It's such a welcome change from the precision and exactness of regular piecing. And it only needs a category if you feel it needs one! If so, it's whatever you decide! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to just let go and improv it out! It's my favorite way to quilt as well. I always hate to cut in to my favorite 'someday' fabrics, then after I do it makes me so happy! I'm not sure what category ~ I've never been good at knowing the right one. If I had $6000 worth of fabric in my home...let's just say I haven't anything even close to that! Fabulous project Teresa!!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of a Roman mosaic floor tile! I'm not sure what category that makes it but it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters. As long as it brings you joy. Lovely finish. Visiting from FIUF.
ReplyDeleteI love your eclectic quilt. The horses are the focus, indeed!. All those colors reds, grey and a touch of teal do work together beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog, Sew Preeti Quilts
What interesting sashing you've made out of those lovely prints. Good for you for using your favorites!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought of was like a Hollywood movie reel ! Love it !
ReplyDelete